Independent. Counterculture

JUST LIKE THE CITY THAT FORMED US.

Stay in the loop on all things Highlander and get the inside scoop on all the groovy changes we’re making to our hotel. We’ll keep you up-to-date on how you can have the most retro Iowa City experience.
May 22, 2023
Megan Bannister, Olio
Plan A Groovy Stay At The Highlander Hotel In Iowa City

I love seeing old spaces transformed into something new. In Iowa City, The Highlander Hotel is the perfect example of a classic space turned into a modern gem. Originally opened in the 1960s as a supper club, this vintage hotel was recently renovated to fully embrace a glamorous retro aesthetic.

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January 4, 2021
Melinda Schnyder, The Wichita Eagle
Travel inspiration: 21 travel ideas to plan for in 2021

Here are 21 regional travel ideas to inspire you to plan for 2021. If you need a deadline for motivation, Jan. 26 is the U.S. Travel Association’s annual National Plan for Vacation Day.

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2024
Erin Huiatt, desmoinesparent.com
Retro Family Fun at The Highlander Hotel

When our family travels it is all about the attractions, local eats, craft brews, parks, and of course, lodging. We love to experience unique and new things. When planning a fun Spring Break trip to Iowa City, Iowa I came across a fun, retro-inspired hotel that I knew would check all the boxes for the kids and the parents, The Highlander Hotel.

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June 15, 2021
Angela Holmes, Corridor Business Journal
Angela Harrington named CBJ’s Entrepreneur of the Year

Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart — especially during a global pandemic. But hotelier Angela Harrington relied on her tenacity and experience from a previous failure to make it through the tumult.

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June 25, 2021
Lisa Waterman Gray, Wander with Wonder
The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, Iowa

A road trip to Iowa offers a great opportunity to explore the Midwestern US. I reached The Highlander Hotel, on a hilltop near Interstate 80 in Iowa City, in the late afternoon. Large peace signs decorated indoor walls as Janis Joplin sang through the sound system. A bright-hued hand-painted ceiling overlooked the horseshoe-shaped bar. I knew I was in for a retro hotel experience.

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August 4, 2021
Kevin Boyd, Little Village
The Highlander, Iowa City’s strange, star-studded supper club, is now a historic hotel

I was a little nervous during my first meeting as a member of Iowa City’s Historic Preservation Commission a few years ago. After we voted to adjourn, I breathed a sigh of relief — I hadn’t made a motion at the wrong time and didn’t seem to screw anything up.

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August 28, 2021
The Highlander Hotel
The Iowa Hawkeyes Are BACK In Iowa City

Say WHAT?! Hawkeye Football is {finally} headed back to Iowa City and for fans who need a place to hang their head, there’s nowhere cooler than The Highlander Hotel.

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July 2021
Iowa Economic Developement
TSB Highlights July 2021

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January 21, 2022
gaytravel
GayTravel.com’s Top 10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations 2022

One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that inclusive U.S. destinations that may not have had our attention before...have it now! We've uncovered many "off-the-beaten-path" places that are not only inclusive and welcoming but also quickly becoming the darlings of savvy LGBTQ+ travelers like you!

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January 26, 2022
Katy Flint, Flint & Co
Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, IA

We are all about staycations, especially in the winter because you never know what the weather is going to do here in the Midwest!! Thankfully, Iowa is full of great staycation destinations including the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City. And with it’s modern funky vibe, it’s extra special!

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September 1, 2023
Nicole Schnitzler, Condé Nast Traveler
The Midwest’s Best College Towns

Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws.

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October 10, 2023
Leah Hall, Gastronom
The Highlander Hotel, Iowa City – Family Friendly Hotel

The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, Iowa is a great family friendly hotel with options for all ages. Chic meets shag in this bohemian themed hotel with an indoor pool and lounges. This urban resort is the place to stay in Iowa City or Coralville, Iowa!

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October 14, 2021
Michael Mackie
The Highlander Hotel ROCKS!

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Sep 12, 2021
Field Trip Iowa
Toddler-Teens will love The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City

Do you want to feel like you left Iowa and landed in chic 1970’s Hollywood? Stroll through the stunning lobby at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, spin a vintage vinyl record, and you’ll be hooked.

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Oct 13, 2021
Megan Reuther, Hello Iowa
Travel writer shares a new favorite place in Iowa

Travel Writer Michael Mackie recently checked out the revamped Highlander Hotel in Iowa City.

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December 5, 2022
Carissa Johnson
The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City

One of the chicest staying spots in Iowa, The Highlander Hotel is a funky boutique hotel that taps into your funkadelic side. The Highlander Hotel is located in Iowa City, just 10 minutes from the heart of Downtown Iowa City and directly off of I-80.

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SPECIALS & OFFERS

You’ll be trippin’ in style.

Midweek Special

Book Monday through Thursday, for stays now through December 19th and get a $25 food and beverage credit to use during your stay.

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Couple enjoying Highlander Hotel ammenities.

PLUS ONE

Need a break from 2024? Step back into the 1970s at this retro-chic hotel with your bestie, special someome, parent, etc.

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Dog at The Highlander Hotel.

Dogcation

Treat yourself and your furry best friend to a getaway like no other. Wag into a stay of peace, love, and pet-friendly fun at The Highlander.

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